You will now receive updates fromSport Newsletter

Sport Newsletter

You didn't have to be a mind reader to know what Del Piero was thinking when he was dragged off by Frank Farina with 10 minutes to play in the derby - even though his daggers seemed pointed at assistant coach Rado Vidosic. The Italian will be burning with desire to show he's still a match winner.

2. Anthony Caceres (Mariners)

The absence of John Hutchinson means there is a golden opportunity for the youngster to step in and stake his claim. He has been touted as a midfielder of real potential and, on the big stage, now is his time to step up in the absence of their suspended captain.

3. Vedran Janjetovic (Sydney)

Celebrated his good form with a new two-year contract during the week. However, he needs to start posting a few more clean sheets to be really happy with his season. Getting the team organised defensively is the next test in the evolution of his career.

4. Matt Simon (Central Coast)

Grabbed a goal last week in Wellington to show he's right back in form. Needs to go on with the job if he wants to keep his place in the team, especially with Daniel McBreen and Mitch Duke - both of whom are being played out of position right now - also competing for his spot.

5. Milos Dimitrijevic (Sydney)

Only signed the day before the match, Dimitrijevic is perhaps unlikely to start for the Sky Blues - but he could still play a significant role all the same if he comes off the bench. All eyes will be on the Serbian to see if he can deliver what Sydney desperately need in the middle.

THE KEY MATCH-UP

Ranko Despotovic (Sydney) v Trent Sainsbury (Central Coast)

Despotovic is in fine form but Sainsbury will be equally keen to impress, not least because the race for spots on the plane to Brazil is heating up. Curtailing the Serbian, and helping the Mariners play out from the back, would be another feather in his cap.

IN THE DUGOUT

Frank Farina (Sydney)

Farina looked a broken man after conceding all three points at the death last week and you can't blame him - it's the first time they have fallen out of the top six in months. It's up to him and his coaching staff to engineer a response on Saturday.

Phil Moss (Central Coast)

This is an interesting juncture for the Mariners, not least for their coach. A pair of draws against the bottom two teams has halted their recent progress and a lifting of intensity is required if they are to keep pace with the league's top three.